HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

Each season in Independence offers something exciting to see and do. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, we have just the right events and activities for you. Our venues and businesses provide you with experiences that spark a love of history, and fun. We have a wide variety of things to do for all ages. Join us every season in Independence for your Great American Story!

TRUMAN DAY/TRUMAN TROT

MAY 7, 2023

WATERFALL PARK | 8AM

Join us in celebrating Truman Day with the Annual Truman Trot at Waterfall Park! The race begins at 8 AM. T-shirts are available for purchase for $10. Help us continue celebrating President Truman with community events and fun at regional venues. Learn more at indep.us/trumantrot2023.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

JUNE 3, 2023

VAILE MANSION | 9AM-4PM

Savor the taste of a variety of strawberry treats while listening to live music and exploring the Mansion at this free event!

HISTORIC HOMES OPEN FOR SEASON

APRIL 1-OCTOBER 31, 2023

Celebrate our Historic Homes as they open for the season! Take a step back to the Victorian Era as you tour some of our oldest sites.

UPTOWN GARDEN FAIRE

APRIL 29, 2023

INDEPENDENCE UPTOWN MARKET | 8AM2PM

Join us at the Independence Uptown Market for the Uptown Garden Faire. Celebrate plants with a garden

FARMERS MARKET

MAY-OCTOBER

INDEPENDENCE UPTOWN MARKET | 8AM1PM

Our Farmers Market opens for the regular season on May 6, 2023. Join us in welcoming back our farmers, crafters and local businesses.

WINE AND BREW WALKING TOUR

JUNE 2023

HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

Stroll down our historic district while sampling local and regional wines, brews and spirits. Get your tickets at indepsquare.com.

ANTIQUE AND CRAFT FAIR

JULY 8, 2023

BINGHAM-WAGGONER ESTATE

Join us for shopping and unique gifts from 100 antique dealers and crafters on the BinghamWaggoner Estate.

SANTACALIGON DAYS FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2023

HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE AND INDEPENDENCE UPTOWN MARKET

Join us as we celebrate Independence’s pioneer roots as the Queen of the Trails! This festival features live music, food and drink, shopping, entertainment, and more! See this year’s lineup at santacaligon.com.

Independence Uncorked Winefest

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

BINGHAM-WAGGONER ESTATE

Come and sample wines from 25 Missouri wineries, peruse food and art booths at one of the largest wine festivals in the State! Learn more at independenceuncorked.com.

Hummingbird Festival

SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2023

GEORGE OWENS NATURE PARK

See throngs of ruby-throated hummingbirds as they pass through on their migration. Learn how to tag hummingbirds, pick up feeders, and more as you see and hear everything about hummingbirds!

Best Little Arts And Craft Show

NOVEMBER 17-18, 2023

ROGER T. SERMON CENTER

Shop till you drop at the annual Best Little Arts and of hand-crafted merchandise from local businesses, a special gift for everyone.

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE LIGHTING AND TREE LIGHTING

NOVEMBER 2023

HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE | 6PM

Holiday fun, tradition, and magic starts with the annual square lighting. Help us usher in the holiday season by lighting the Historic Square in the heart of Independence. Enjoy singing, dancing, and more as we kick off the holiday season.

Enchanted Forest

OCTOBER 20-21, 27-28, 2023

GEORGE OWENS NATURE PARK

Come for family-friendly, non-scary Halloween fun. Guides will lead you down paved paths where you will see stories acted out along the way. Each tour ends with a hayride back to the entrance!

Spirits With The Spirits

OCTOBER 7, 2023

VAILE MANSION

Join us for the Annual Spirits with the Spirits at Vaile Mansion. Enjoy cocktails while experiencing stories of the spirits that live in the mansion. Purchase your tickets at vailemansion.org.

Halloween Parade

OCTOBER 28, 2023

HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE | 10AM

Holiday fun begins at 10AM on Saturday, October 28, 2023! After the parade, stick around to shop and eat at our amazing shops on the Historic Square.

SANTA’S VILLAGE

NOVEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENCE UPTOWN MARKET | 6:30PM

Santa Claus is coming to town! In true Independence fashion, Santa and Mrs. Claus will join us at the Independence Uptown Market after we light the Square. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, and more!

Historic Homes Open For The Holidays

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 2023

The historic homes are open for the holidays! Explore our beautifully decorated historic homes to be taken back to simpler times. The Vaile Mansion and Bingham-Waggoner Estate will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday. Private events are available by registration Monday through Wednesday.

Living Windows

DECEMBER 1, 2023

HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

Holiday magic will be seen and felt at this year’s Living Windows in the Historic Independence Square! Enjoy the magic and wonder of some of your favorite holiday movies and songs in the shops as we celebrate the holiday season.

ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE TORCH-LIT HIKE

DECEMBER 6, 2023

GEORGE OWENS NATURE PARK the Winter Solstice. Come face to face with birds of prey. Ice sculptures in the park are sure to delight community members of all ages.

Celebrating 20 years of tradition with the annual Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike! If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this is the event for you. We invite you to enjoy the changing of the seasons as you walk through the beauty of George Owens Nature Park.

Champagne And Chandeliers

DECEMBER 2, 2023

VAILE MANSION

Join us for a twilight tour of the Vaile Mansion in beautiful holiday décor while sipping champagne or sparkling water and enjoying passed appetizers. Learn more at vailemansion.org.

TWILIGHT GALA

DECEMBER 2023

BINGHAM-WAGGONER ESTATE

Join us for the Annual Twilight Gala of BinghamWaggoner Estate. This is a one-night event you won’t want to miss. Learn more at bwestate.net.

WINTER MARKET

OPEN EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER-MARCH

INDEPENDENCE UPTOWN MARKET

The winter market is the perfect place to pick up fresh baked goods and seasonal produce. Come support local businesses and pick out hand-crafted gifts that are sure to please everyone on your holiday list.

Winter Trails

DECEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024

GEORGE OWENS NATURE PARK

Come see decorated holiday displays created by the community for the community. Each holiday item is decorated to support Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity. We hope to share this long-standing tradition with you!

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